The Prodigy first emerged in the underground rave scene in the early 1990s and achieved popularity and worldwide recognition with UK number one singles such as "Firestarter" and "Breathe", both singles coming from their UK and US chart topping album The Fat of the Land (1997). A third single from the album, “Smack My Bitch Up”, was also successful. They earned titles like "the premiere dance act for the alternative masses" and "the Godfathers of Rave", and remain one of the most successful electronic acts of all time. They have sold an estimated 25 million records worldwide, and won numerous music awards during their career, including two Brit Awards for Best British Dance Act, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Kerrang! Awards, five MTV Europe Music Awards, and received two Grammy Award nominations.
The Prodigy were founded in Braintree, Essex, in 1990 by keyboardist and songwriter Liam Howlett. He had taken piano lessons in his youth and gained the ability to play difficult passages in just a few run-throughs. After he decided to pursue a music career, Howlett met dancer and vocalist Keith Flint in mid-1989 at a rave at which Howlett was DJing. After Flint requested Howlett make a mix tape for him, Howlett obliged, returning a cassette several days later with a collection of his own songs on the other side. Howlett had scratched the word "Prodigy" onto the cassette, the same name as the Moog Prodigy analogue synthesiser, and Howlett's moniker. The tape was well-received by Flint and keyboardist Leeroy Thornhill who developed new dance sequences to the music and suggested to Howlett they begin a group together. They were soon joined by MC and vocalist Maxim, then known as Maxim Reality, and female dancer and vocalist Sharky, a friend of Flint's. Together they became the first line-up of the Prodigy.
On 4 March 2019, Keith Flint was found dead at his home in Essex, just weeks after playing six live dates in Australia and New Zealand. On 5 March, the band announced on Twitter that "all forthcoming concerts in 2019 would be canceled, effective immediately".
Following Flint's death, fans began using the Twitter hashtag "Firestarter4Number1" on various social media platforms to get "Firestarter" to top the British singles charts again. This was done out of respect for Keith Flint and to raise awareness of suicide among men.
On 20 August 2019, one day before his 48th birthday, Liam Howlett posted on the band's official Instagram page, saying he is "back in the studio making noise [...] brand new Prodigy tunes are gonna roll", referring to his intention to keep on releasing music under the Prodigy moniker.
Along with the Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim, the Prodigy have been credited as pioneers of the big beat genre, which achieved mainstream popularity in the 1990s. The Prodigy, however, is not considered entirely representative of the genre as their production "often reflected the more intelligent edge of trip-hop, and rarely broke into the mindless arena of true big beat" according to AllMusic. The Prodigy are also considered alternative dance, techno, electronica, breakbeat hardcore, and rave.
Liam Howlett cited early electro as a big influence, mentioning tunes like "Clear" by American music group Cybotron and "Al Naafiysh" by Hashim. Liam Howlett also cited The Bomb Squad, Public Enemy, and Rage Against the Machine as influences.
02- break & enter
The Prodigy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bring it down to earth
Bring it down to earth
Bring it down to earth ooh-ooh-ooh yeah [Repeats]
Bring it down to earth
Bring it down to earth
The lyrics of "Break & Enter" by The Prodigy are relatively straightforward and repetitive, emphasizing the need to bring things down to earth. This could be interpreted in a few different ways, but it seems to suggest that the singer is urging someone or something to become more grounded, less elevated or chaotic. The repetition of the phrase "Bring it down to earth" with a catchy, rhythmic melody makes it all the more memorable and impactful.
One possible interpretation of these lyrics is that they are a commentary on the excesses of modern society. The Prodigy was known for their edgy, underground sound, and this song could be seen as a rebellious statement against the mainstream. The repeated call to "bring it down to earth" could be interpreted as a rejection of the decadent, extravagant lifestyle that many people chase after. By urging listeners to be more down-to-earth and grounded, the song suggests that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, rather than from material possessions or worldly success.
Another possible interpretation of the lyrics is that they are a reflection on the creative process. Many artists and musicians struggle to balance their lofty ambitions with the practical realities of making their work a reality. By urging the listener to "bring it down to earth," the song could be seen as a reminder to stay focused on the basics and not get lost in grandiose visions. In this sense, the song could be seen as a manifesto for simplicity and clarity, embracing the power of minimalism in art and life.
Line by Line Meaning
Bring it down to earth ooh-ooh-ooh yeah
Let's ground ourselves and connect with reality, yeah.
Bring it down to earth
Let's stop living in an idealistic world and face the truth.
Bring it down to earth
Let's get rid of illusions and confront facts.
Bring it down to earth ooh-ooh-ooh yeah
Let's not stay in a dreamlike state, let's be present in the real world.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: LIAM HOWLETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Josef Cross
This tune will never be crap, ever.
TheUrbanGhost
God I love this tune so much
Bas Harbers
theurbanghost the ur bang host?
Nadine Emdin
The Prodigy instrumentals are always great, forgot how cool this one is.
Johnny King
I was blown away by this when I was 12 and it came out.I’m still blown away to this day.
curtkobajn
God, I love those lyrics, amazing song
Vince Howell
Sick! Digging thru some old mix CD's and ran across this tune. OMG!! sick, sick, sick. These guys rocked back in the day!
Bruce
This track takes you on a journey to go faster and faster,louder and louder and never stop!.
gornes simracing
5:15 - I close my eyes and my brain travels across the whole universe exploring unknown worlds
Ben Van Eekelen
still hypnotizing